What are my special features?
The British Lop is one of the largest rare breed pigs and is white in colour with long, fine silky hair. The breed is long bodied with a relatively straight back and large, thin ears which droop over the face (Lop-eared). The British Lop is leaner than most rare pig breeds, docile in temperament and easy to manage.
The British Lop is a hardy breed, good forager and efficient converter of low quality feed. Compared to hybrid pigs, British Lop pure breeds produce meat that has a better flavour and texture.
What is my history?
The British Lop is a West Country breed originating around the Tavistock area. It is a descendent of the lop-eared white pigs that lived in the farmyards of the South West for centuries. Since the beginning of 1900 and for most of its history, the British Lop remained a local breed undiscovered by farmers outside its native territory.
In the 1950’s, the decision to concentrate pig production on three breeds (Landrace, Large White and the Welsh) caused British Lop numbers to decline. In the 1960’s, the name of the breed changed from ‘National Long White Lop Eared’ to the ‘British Lop’.
Why am I forgotten?
British Lop numbers have greatly reduced due to the preference for traditional hybrid pigs which can be bred to grow and sell faster. There are few British Lop breeders in the country and producers are mainly found within the South West of England.
Don’t lose me… cook me!
